Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Symptoms & Treatment of Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar disorder is also known as the manic-depressive disorder which causes mood swings, shifts in energy, behavior and thinking from highs of mania on one side to the lows of depression on other side. Bipolar II is one of the four types of Bipolar disorder. Bipolar II disorder can be described as the occurrence of one or more major depressive episodes along with at least one hypomanic episode.

Symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder


Bipolar II is not much severe as bipolar I. The major difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 is the manic state; bipolar II shows less severe symptoms of mania in comparison to bipolar 1 disorder. Bipolar II causes depression to a great extent such that the risk of suicide is more in this type of disorder than bipolar I. Overall, bipolar 2 is related more with depression and less with mania.

Bipolar II can influence the people of all ages, races, and social classes. It seems to depend on the genetic links that present in families. It normally grows in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, few people experience their first symptom during their childhood. As per some scientists, bipolar II affects around 5% of population.

Symptoms of Bipolar II
People suffering from hypomanic episodes look like the "life of the party" means they make jokes frequently; take much interest in other people and their activities etc. This behavior may good but hypomania can cause variable and unhealthy manners. Person during the hypomanic episode may spend money beyond his income, look for sex with people they generally wouldn't, as well as may employ in some risky and unsocial deeds.
Most of the people with bipolar II disease also experience considerable depressive episodes. Depression can take place shortly after hypomania sinks or later. Few people round back and forth between hypomania and depression episodes whereas some possess normal mood for longer time between these episodes.

Symptoms related to depression:
  • Decreased energy
  • Irritability
  • Despair
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Weight loss or gain
Symptoms related to hypomania:
  • Pressured speech
  • Racing thoughts
  • Excess energy
  • Grandiosity
  • Distractibility
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
Treatment:

The ordinary treatment for bipolar II condition is the medication by means of mood stabilizers. But, the reduction in symptoms due to medication is totally dose dependent. Lithium and Lamictal are regarded as "gold standard" medications in the treatment of bipolar II. Either of these drugs is prescribed as first line treatment and mixture of them is recommended if single drug does not prove effective in controlling either depression or hypomania.

Non-medication therapies such as psychodynamic therapy, social rhythm therapy, behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, interpersonal therapy, cognitive therapy, psychoeducation, Music therapy, family-focused therapy and light therapy can support in the treatment of this disorder. However, the chances of reversions can still present even with persistent medication and therapy.

Video of Bipolar II disorder from YouTube:

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